Fall centers

This was a popular fall center with the kids. I think the original idea came from Deanna Jump. There was a spinner to use. Kiddos spin the spinner and choose an item that matches that part piece to add to their pie pumpkin.  I just used a screw driver to poke holes into the pumpkin where the typical pieces would go. It worked best to store the Pumpkins in the refrigerator overnight added to the life of the pumpkin .

Creative Cornerstones

I am really looking forward to presenting at this year's Creative Cornerstones. Once again there will be a full day of center activities for kindergarten and preschool teachers. I am hopeful that every participant will take home some new ideas to use in his or her classroom. I look forward to the professional growth I experience during these weeks as well. It is wonderful to network with so many people who share my passion for teaching.

Butterfly pattern block pattern
center ideas



here to go to document

Eggs

This already short week was shortened even more by a snow day. (So much for spring in Ohio). We celebrated a tradition of my family this time of year. We read Rechenka's egg by Patricia Polacco.  Discovery education has a wonderful video that tells the story. It also shows Patricia Polacco making the special Ukrainian Eggs.

http://www.patriciapolacco.com/books/rechenkas_eggs/rechenkas_eggs_index.html

After sharing the story, I showed the children examples of finished eggs that I have made as well as other family members.  We discussed that some of the eggs take as much as 12 hours to create.

   

They got to feel the light weight feel of a blown egg as they passed a simply decorated egg between themselves.

I showed them eggs that demonstrate each step in the process of making these detailed eggs.  And explained how the kitska I use is similar to the authors but electric instead of held over a candle.

   

  

Each child took turns drawing a design on a hard boiled egg. I had written their names on them for them as well. We then dipped them is Paas dyes. They turned out great.

Reading Street

We use Scott Foresman's Reading Street. This site has many good resources to support our Reading series.

Scottsboro Readingstreet Materials

Winter Ideas

I am learning to put pdf documents in my posts. This only took 5 months to learn. Oh well, all in good time.  I am not very tech savvy, so I am learning out of necessity.

Winter phone number writing practice recording sheet

I use this for a center idea.



click here to go to file

End of the year

In some ways it is hard to believe the school year is coming to an end. Yesterday was our family picnic and awards day. We had a great turn out. 

As always the parents loved receiving a copy of the video of all the fun we have had in kindergarten. I swore I wouldn't tear up, but I did. After spending a year with these precious little ones, it is hard to say good-bye. They have learned and grown so much!

Here are the cute gifts I shared with my kiddos.